“Don’t let her leave. Sit on her if you have to.”

I shoved my phone back in my pocket.

“Ma’am, good seeing you.”

“Go, dear.” She gave me a smile and a pat on the arm.

I nodded, then hopped in my truck and floored it back to the ranch. Good thing I knew the chief of police to get me out of any speeding tickets.

ASTRID

I sat on the porch steps beside Huck as we watched Claire and her new puppy run around. I wasn’t sure who was chasing who. But they were adorable, and it was impossible not to smile, even when I didn’t feel like doing so.

My nerves were getting the best of me since Thatcher called Huck. He patiently waited with me for Thatcher to come from town, but I had a feeling it was more of a babysitting job for me than for watching Claire. He didn’t say a word, which was even more unnerving.

When Thatcher came down the drive, I popped up. This was what I’d been wanting to do for an hour. To see him. Talk to him. Yet as I wrung my hands, I wasn’t sure if this was such a good idea after all. All my doubts came rushing back and every bold and daring part of me wilted away. I was left unnerved and frazzled. Excited and panicked.

Claire ran over to him when he came toward us, hugging his leg. He gave her a few moments of attention but lifted his head to look at me.

Those blue eyes held mine and the corner of his mouth tipped up. He was holding a puppy, just like Sandy, although this one was black.

“Go on,” Huck murmured. “He might just surprise you. He surprised the hell out of me.”

Huck stood as well, called to Claire. She ran over and he squatted down to scoop up Sandy. “Bath, brush, books, bed.”

She huffed, then shouted, “I want to read the puppy book!” as she darted into the house.

I heard Huck’s retreating footsteps and the front door close, but I couldn’t look away from Thatcher.

Unlike me, he’d changed since softball this morning. He had on jeans, sturdy work boots and a white t-shirt that hugged his muscles. I was jealous of the cotton. And the squirming puppy in his arms who just licked his chin.

“Hey,” he said, voice deep. Like a rasp of velvet, I almost shivered at that one word.

“Hi.”

“Thatcher—”

“Sweets—”

We spoke at the same time, which made us relax.

“Here.” He pushed the dog into my arms. I took the cute bundle awkwardly at first, then settled him into my arms.

“Um… what am I doing with this guy?”

“He’s yours.”